Turn any text into an animated video with AI

Updated October 2026

How to create an animated video with AI

1. Tell the AI what the video is about. A one-line prompt, a full script, a PDF or Word file, or a web link.
2. Review the script. AI writes a scene-by-scene narration. Edit anything — or let it run.
3. Pick a voice, length and shape. 15 narration languages; 16:9 for YouTube and websites or 9:16 for Shorts, Reels and TikTok.
4. Generate. AI illustrates each scene and animates it being drawn by hand, in sync with the voiceover. Download the MP4.

What kind of animation does it make?

Whiteboard Video specialises in hand-drawn animation: whiteboard and doodle-style videos where each illustration is sketched on screen as the narrator speaks. It's the style used by the most-watched explainer channels because it's clear, friendly and keeps viewers watching. You can also choose richer animated-scene styles for a more cinematic look.

It is not a tool for cartoon series with recurring characters or 3D films — it's built to explain: ideas, lessons, products, stories and processes.

What people make with it

• YouTube videos — faceless explainer channels, history, science, finance (how to make animated YouTube videos).
• Lessons — animated educational videos for classes and courses.
• Marketing — animated marketing and product videos.
• Training — employee training videos from your SOPs.
• Social media — vertical animated shorts for TikTok, Reels and Shorts.

AI animated video vs. traditional animation

	AI animated video	Hiring an animator	Manual animation software
Time	Minutes	1–4 weeks	Hours per minute
Cost per minute	~$0.60–$0.83	Hundreds to thousands	Subscription + your time
Skills needed	None	Briefing & feedback	Animation & editing
Changes	Regenerate	Revision rounds	Re-edit

Tips for better AI animated videos

• Tell the AI the audience and tone ("for beginners", "fun", "professional").
• Keep one idea per scene — short scenes animate better.
• Start with a hook in the first five seconds.
• Writing your own script? Use our explainer video script template.

Is it free?

Every account starts free: 1 AI-generated video, plus 5 free Studio videos every day where you write the script and add your own pictures or free stock photos. No credit card. Pricing is simple: 1 credit = 1 minute of finished video. Plans start at $9.99 a month (12 video-minutes), with one-off credit packs if you don't want a subscription. See pricing.